George Hope No Idle Talk Ayr may not have quite the same aura as Aintree, but the Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National will still mean as much to winning connections.Despite being run over a gruelling four miles and one furlong, the contest has been a happy hunting ground for some decent novice performers.Just 12 months ago, the Ferdy Murphy-trained Joes Edge managed to battle back against Cornish Rebel in the last 100 yards to add to the list of novice winners which includes Earth Summit and Captain Dibble.Idle Talk looks set to join that particular role of honour as he is really well handicapped contender for trainer Tom George.The seven-year-old always had the look of useful horse even though he did not exactly set the world alight in his four runs over hurdles, winning two minor events before proving lacking at the highest level.The switch to bigger obstacles has brought out the best in Idle Talk though, notching two convincing wins on his first couple of starts.He looked unsuited by the heavy ground at Lingfield in February resulting in him going off an unconsidered 33-1 for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase.Idle Talk looked like he may even take that Grade One event but he was outgalloped by the hugely impressive Star De Mohaison ? also a subsequent winner at Aintree.The fact that the winner was only a five-year-old claiming a weight allowance also enhanced the performance and he lost little in being beaten six lengths.Idle Talk jumped with real confidence that day to support George's opinion that he will be an ideal Grand National type in time.However, an attractive mark of 10st 11lb could just tempt George to let the gelding take his chance in this first.With current top weight Royal Auclair an intended runner, the weights are unlikely to rise and he looks to have the ideal profile.Currently available at 14-1 on the exchanges, Idle Talk will surely go off at much shorter odds on the day and he rates a confident selection after proving himself on every thing but heavy ground.(C) PA Sport
